Rose's pupils contracted.
That was exactly what annoyed her most about Ryan—he was always far too perceptive and always went straight to the heart of the matter.
Fortunately, Gabriel's memory was poor.
He had barely finished one thought before forgetting it entirely.
Holding the scroll containing his late wife's portrait, he gently stroked it and murmured, "It's good to have children. The more children you have, the more brothers and sisters you'll have to look out for each other in the future. Unlike us..."
His voice grew softer. "We're all alone."
Listening to her grandfather's rambling words, Rose felt a pang in her chest.
His greatest concern now was still her.
He worried she would be bullied.
He worried she would suffer.
He worried there would be no one
